Ladson-Billings (2001) writes that culturally responsive teaching is “[a]n approach that empowers students intellectually, socially, emotionally, and politically by using cultural referents to impart knowledge, skills, and attitudes.” In this Discussion, you will examine how teachers have integrated students’ funds of knowledge into their instruction. As you prepare your initial posts and responses to others, think about the notion of empowering your students as literacy learners and what that may mean in your role as an educator.
To prepare:
- Review the Southern Poverty Law Center media programs and select one teacher as your focus for this Discussion.
- Consider how the teacher you selected embraces cultural and linguistic diversity in his/her classroom. How does he or she apply “funds of knowledge” to his or her practice as a way of increasing the literacy learning of students?
By Day 3
Post an explanation of how this teacher applies “funds of knowledge” to literacy practice. Explain further evidence of culturally responsive practices you observed in the media program. In your explanation, include any missed opportunities or suggestions for how this teacher might further support the literacy development of his or her students. Then, include any evidence of family and community involvement and/or suggest opportunities the teacher might consider. How might observing this teaching practice help you broaden and deepen your skill set regarding your engagement in literacy activities with culturally and linguistically diverse learners? Finally, explain the importance of culturally responsive teaching to support the literacy development of all students.